Higher National Unit Specification

General information for centres

Unit title:

3D Design: Digital Modelling

Unit code: F0MC 34

Unit purpose: This Unit is designed to introduce candidates to 3D graphics software. It will
enable candidates to gain the technical knowledge and skills required to generate and manipulate 3D
objects using appropriate software.
On completion of this Unit the candidate should be able to:
1
2

Set up and configure a 3D digital drawing.

Create 3D digital images.

Credit points and level: 1 HN Credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level
7*)
*SCQF credit points are used to allocate credit to qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications
Framework (SCQF). Each qualification in the Framework is allocated a number of SCQF credit points at an
SCQF level. There are 12 SCQF levels, ranging from Access 1 to Doctorates.

Recommended prior knowledge and skills: Entry to this Unit is at the discretion of the
centre. Candidates should have competence in operating a computer and knowledge of file format, file
size and storage. Knowledge of a 2D software digital/drawing package and/or completion of HN Unit
Digital Imaging 1 would be an advantage.
Core Skills: There are opportunities to develop the Core Skills of Information Technology and
Numeracy at level 6 in this Unit, although there is no automatic certification of Core Skills or Core
Skills components.

Context for delivery: If this Unit is delivered as part of a Group Award, it is recommended that
it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to which it contributes.

Assessment: Outcome 1 is assessed by the production of a minimum of two on screen examples

that demonstrate co-ordinates, working units, reference planes and grid.
Outcome 2 is assessed by the creation of dimensionally accurate 3D digital images.
Evidence can be submitted as a digital file or in hard copy format.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards

Unit title: 3D Design: Digital Modelling
Unit code: F0MC 34
The sections of the Unit stating the Outcomes, knowledge and/or skills, and Evidence Requirements
are mandatory.
Where evidence for Outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed in the
knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Candidates should not
know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items should be sampled on
each assessment occasion.

Outcome 1
Set up and configure a 3D digital drawing

Knowledge and/or skills

Co-ordinates
Working Units
Reference planes
Grid
Storage

Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills by setting up
and configuring a 3D software package for a specific purpose, showing that they can:

demonstrate knowledge and use of reference planes and co-ordinate types

produce a minimum of two examples which demonstrate co-ordinates, working units, reference
planes and grid
store images for retrieval

Evidence should be presented as either a digital file or in hard copy format.

Assessment guidelines
A checklist may be employed to identify that candidates have developed all appropriate elements
which will include the co-ordinates, working Units, reference planes and grid. The Tutor delivering
the Unit should determine the appropriate level of, and, the number of images. The evidence for this
Outcome could be submitted either in the form of a digital file or in hard copy format.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

Higher National Unit specification: statement of standards (cont)

Outcome 2
Create 3D digital images

Knowledge and/or skills

Component parts
Dimensions
Use of tools

Evidence Requirements
Candidates will need to provide evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and /or skills by showing
that they can:

create dimensionally accurate 3D digital images

use image editing and manipulation tools
produce a final 3D image that is fit for purpose

Images should be presented either as a digital file or in hard copy format.

Assessment guidelines
Candidates could work to a given brief. The evidence submitted for this Outcome could be in the form
of either a digital file or in hard copy format.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

Administrative Information
Unit code:

F0MC 34

Unit title:

3D Design: Digital Modelling

Superclass category:

JC

Original date of publication:

August 2007

Version:

01

History of Changes:
Version

Source:

Description of change

Date

SQA

Scottish Qualifications Authority 2007

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no
profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged.
SQA acknowledges the valuable contribution that Scotlands colleges have made to the development
of Higher National qualifications.
Additional copies of this Unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further details, telephone 0845 279 1000.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

Higher National Unit specification: support notes

Unit title: 3D Design: Digital Modelling
This part of the Unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory.
While the exact time allocated to this Unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length
is 40 hours.

Guidance on the content and context for this Unit

The purpose of this Unit is to introduce candidates to a 3D computer software package and to acquire
skills to use the software as a tool when undertaking a design project.
The object given for modelling by the tutor should reflect the chosen area of study of the candidates.

Guidance on the delivery and assessment of this Unit

This Unit has been developed as part of the HND Computer Art and Design Award. It is
recommended that it should be taught and assessed within the subject area of the Group Award to
which it contributes.
Opportunities may be taken to link or integrate with design projects.
This Unit should be delivered initially as a series of demonstrations and exercises. Candidates could
be given an object or plan on which to base the realisation of the model exercise.
Assessment can be made from a series of responses to test the candidates knowledge of the software,
if appropriate and from assessing a series of 3D images to test the candidates skills in practical
application. Candidates should save all work to a suitable storage medium.
Final submissions may be submitted electronically or as hard copy.
Opportunities for developing Core Skills
Candidates will work in a context which requires original computer aided design work. Informative
work access to, and opportunities for, evaluating digital design models would be valuable. Candidates
should be able to work unaided in the selection of appropriate software and the modification or
customising of applications to meet identified needs of purpose and context.
Discussions with the class group and/or the assessor would, however, reinforce analytical evaluation
of approaches taken to the design process.
Accuracy in the interpretation and communication of graphic information underpins the competencies
developed in the Unit. Some candidates may benefit from formative opportunities to further develop
the effectiveness of their application of graphic data. The use of software packages or on-line
Tutorials to enhance skills may be useful. Consideration for other users and an adherence to practices
and procedures impacting on security and safety would be a routine aspect of good practice.
Candidates could, in some circumstances, be advised on techniques for diagnosing, and if practical,
correcting some technical problems.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

Higher National Unit specification: support notes (cont)

Unit title: 3D Design: Digital Modelling
Open learning
This Unit could be delivered by open learning. However it would require planning by the centre to
ensure sufficiency and authenticity of candidate evidence.
For further information and advice please refer to the SQA document Assessment and Quality
Assurance for Open and Distance Learning which is available on SQAs website: www.sqa.org.uk.

Candidates with disabilities and/or additional support needs

The additional support needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning
learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments, or considering alternative Outcomes for Units.
Further advice can be found in the SQA document Guidance on Assessment Arrangements for
Candidates with Disabilities and/or Additional Support Needs (www.sqa.org.uk).

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling

General information for candidates

Unit title: 3D Design: Digital Modelling
This Unit will introduce you to the use of a 3D digital graphics package. It has been designed to give
you knowledge of the basic building blocks of 3D software and the skills required to construct basic
images suitable for a 3D design project.
On completion of the Unit you will be able to:

set up and configure a 3D digital drawing

create 3D digital images

In Outcome 1 you are required to demonstrate how to set up the basic drawing parameters that you
will need to produce a particular image. This will include establishing your basic drawing area,
specifying the scale and type of drawing Units you intend to use. You will also be required
demonstrate a knowledge of co-ordinates, the 3D drawing space and also the separate parts of the
drawn object.
In Outcome 2 you will create a series of images using various digital image editing and manipulation
tools.

HN Unit (F0MC 34): 3D Design: Digital Modelling